The Gooding family’s combined property holdings in 1860 present a picture of a successful, well-to-do family on the eve of the Civil War.1

  • Although listed as a hotel keeper rather than a farmer, William, Jr.’s holdings represent an active farming operation.
  • In addition to items listed, Peter’s farm also produced wool as well as tobacco, orchard fruit and garden vegetables.

Gooding Property in 1860

William Gooding, Jr. Peter Gooding William H. Gooding
Occupation hotel keeper farmer farmer
Slaves 19 27 22
Acres developed 150 600 250
Acres undeveloped 350 600 300
Real estate $10,000 unkwn $15,000
Personal property $20,000 unkwn $15,000
Livestock $600 $2,000 $1,000
Horses 6 7 7
Mules 0 5 2
Oxen 2 0 2
Cows 8 14 8
Cattle 2 3 6
Sheep 0 60 0
Hogs 20 50 40
Wheat (bu) 0 650 750
Corn (bu) 500 1,000 1,000
Oats (bu) 200 0 900
Potatoes (lb) 100 500 200
Butter (lb) 250 200 250
Hay (tons) 50 80 30

 

  1. Edith Moore Sprouse, Fairfax County in 1860: A Collective Biography (The Author, 1996). Presents a comprehensive picture of property holdings in 1860 taken from the federal population and agricultural census reports for that year. Although Peter had died in October 1859, information on his holdings is quite complete.